The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) announces the availability of grants between $500 and $2,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records. Proposals must be received by February 28, 2013. Awards will be announced March 20, and projects must be completed by December 31, 2013.

Full details of this grant opportunity and the application forms are available on OHRAB’s website. Highlights include:

•Eligible institutions may be public or private.

•Any size institution may apply, but preference will be given to institutions with permanently valuable archival materials of 500 cubic feet or fewer.

•Eligible projects include those involving physical access, arrangement, and description; preservation (including storage materials); and making catalog descriptions of records or digital images of records available on line.

Funding is made available by a Federal regrant opportunity from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). **OHRAB has been conditionally notified by NHRPC of the funds for this project. However, we are awaiting formal notification from NHPRC based on the recently passed Federal budget. While it is necessary for OHRAB to announce this grant opportunity and begin to receive your proposals, all awards are contingent on OHRAB receiving the funds from NHPRC.

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board is the central body for historical records planning in the state. Board members are appointed by the governor and represent Ohio’s public and private archives, records offices, and research institutions. Administrative responsibility for the board rests with the Ohio Historical Society’s Museum and Library Services Division. The board also acts as the state-level review body for grants submitted to the NHPRC, in accordance with that commission’s guidelines.